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It is interesting how much discussion can be stirred up by a small, brass religious icon. Towards the end of October, President Nichol sent an email to the campus noting a change in policy displaying the cross. Instead of leaving it on display unless a event coordinator wanted it removed, it would be displayed only at the request of the event coordinator. Before this email, I was unaware the Wren Chapel even had a cross even though I have been there four or five times that I can remember off hand, so I have enjoyed learning more about it’s history. The debate has generated some interesting opinion pieces and caused a couple of allumi to setup an online petition to save the cross I guess from the closet. At least this is a mostly internal affair free of an external governing body coming down on us. |
2006-11-11 Virginia Gazatte: History of the Wren cross (SavetheWrenCross.org Mirror)
2006-11-15 Daily Press: Other voices: For education’s sake, remove cross (CAAZone Board Referer)
2006-11-20 W&M News: Nichol discusses Wren cross decision with BOV
Save the Wren Cross.org
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It seems the feather-fight such that it was is now over. President Nichol wrote a letter to the community today announcing that the college would have a new logo by Fall 2007. Nichol’s primary reasons for moving on were to 1) not punish current W&M athletes from “competing at the highest level, 2) that the college needs to focus on more important issues “such as assuring access to students, supporting faculty research and classroom instruction, and providing the campus with state-of-the-art facilities” and 3) concern over the college’s reputation “I am unwilling to allow it to become the symbol and lodestar for a prolonged struggle over Native American imagery that will likely be miscast and misunderstood — to the detriment of the institution.” While I do not disagree with the president on any particular point, I would like to see something done about how far the NCAA has moved away from what its primary mission should be. |
Previous roclar.net Post
W&M News Article - William and Mary to change athletic logo before Fall 2007
President Nichol’s Letter to the Community
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As I previously mentioned here the college upgrade of the field at Zable Stadium was completed on July 11. Below are links to the gallery of pictures of the field and the new goal posts. The athletics department also enhanced the seating chart for the stadium they released earlier this year and added the Zable Stadium Seating View Map where you can click in the general area of your seats and see your view of the field for even more picture goodness.
Football facility enhancements continue as the ground breaking ceremony for the Jimmye Laycock Football Center which will be located right behind the stadium took place September 15. Here are twopages from the Maine vs. William & Mary program with a recap of all the facility upgrade details.
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Photos of Zable Stadium Turf Installation 2006-07-05
53 Days to Kickoff at Maryland! Football Offseason News 2006-07-11
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Yesterday, The College of William & Mary submitted its appeal of the NCAA’s decision with respect to our feather logo. Much to my delight, president Nichol’s cover leter is particularly scathing of the committee’s decision. I hope the NCAA comes to their senses on this particular issue. |
Original roclar.net Post
W&M News Article Including President Nichol’s Cover Letter
Full Appeal Sent to the NCAA
Summary of the Appeal
